The Calling A John Luther Novel

'Cross delivers a brooding piece of back-story for fans of the character inhabited by Idris Elba on screen. However, if you're not already a DCI Luther convert, it also serves as a good jumping off point into his tortured world' Shortlist, top 20 crime novels of the year 'Gripping... eviscerating' Observer 'Written with style, pace and dark humour' Sport magazine 'Neil Cross, the creator of the series, is a seasoned novelist and it shows -- the writing is economical, taut and evocative. This is, quite literally, bloody brilliant' Metro 'Written with style, pace and dark humour...hugely fun' Sport magazine 'Unsettling, lyrical... Cross has always dealt in darkness and been so adept at conjuring bogeymen from the catacombs of mythology that you start to see them everywhere' Guardian 'This story shares the editing technique and visual power of the screen version. But, more than anything, it's an astounding book in its own right. Unapologetic, brutal and stunning - in the very real sense of that word... If you weren't faint-hearted when you started reading, you'll feel it by the end. Whole passages are carried on an adrenaline wave that leaves the reader shaking and in fear of what comes next. If you don't suffer nightmares after finishing this book, you're a stronger reader than me... No doubt about it, Cross is an amazing writer, capable of lyricism and pathos as well as some of the most traumatising scenes you're ever likely to experience in a mainstream crime novel' Eurocrime 'This is no mere TV tie-in; this is a fully functioning standalone, and an excellent book in its own right. The drama is often shocking, always visceral. Cross creates a plot which allows us to see the nascence of a beloved character, showcasing his swaggering brilliance as well as his anguish. Luther: The Calling is strongly recommended even to anyone unfamiliar with the series, but to fans, this is an absolute must' Book Geeks